Removal of Chinese Drywall Urged By Government

Chinese Drywall Big Problem for Some Homeowners 

Dry wall imported from China is emerging as a significant problem for many homeowners. While most drywall used in American homes has been produced in the United States, a shortage began to develop in the middle of the last decade as the result of the housing boom and the efforts to rebuild after the 2006 hurricanes.

Last week the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommended that homes tainted with Chinese drywall be gutted. This week a Federal judge ordered that seven Virginia families be awarded $2.6 million in damages in one of several Chinese drywall lawsuits pending in the courts.

Chinese drywall is thought to emit sulfur compound gases. These gases produce a rotten egg smell and may be associated with respiratory and other health problems. Sulfur gases are also corrosive and there are reports of damage to household appliances, wiring, plumbing and mechanical systems including air conditioners and furnaces. Some affected homes are uninhabitable and owners have been forced to move out.

The magnitude of the Chinese drywall problem is unclear. Thus far there have few reports of problems associated with Chinese dry wall in northwest Ohio and the Toledo area.

While complaints have been reported in 41 states, the problem is most widespread in the south and in the states of Florida, Louisiana and Florida. This is where the use of Chinese drywall was concentrated. Hot humid conditions may also contribute to the problem.

Unfortunately the drywall is difficult to identify. Most of the Chinese dry wall was imported between 2004 and 2007 although there have been complaints involving drywall installed as early as 2001.

The problems associated with Chinese drywall are currently the subject of investigations by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Congress and a number of states.